Stevens will be introduced as the Boston Celtics' new head coach on Friday. His departure for the NBA has surprised many local fans.

Butler could have an announcement on a new coach by the time the Celtics make their announcement.

The leading candidate appears to be former Butler player and assistant coach LaVall Jordan. The 34-year-old Jordan is currently assistant coach at Michigan. He may have interviewed for the job Thursday with Butler Athletic Director Barry Collier. Jordan played for Collier.

The other top candidate is Brandon Miller, a native of New Castle, Indiana, who also played for the Bulldogs. He just returned to the coaching staff to be an assistant for the second time. Miller interviewed for the job on Wednesday.

Collier made it clear he himself is not coming back to coach the Bulldogs.

"I came here to announce that Brad had taken the coaching job with the Boston Celtics and my announcement would also include that I hired myself as basketball coach...and it took me that long to fire myself," Collier joked with reporters Wednesday night. "So now we have to find a good coach."

Among those expressing surprise at Stevens' move? Pacers head coach Frank Vogel, who told Eyewitness Sports, "There's usually rumors leading up to it. I think nobody had heard anything about it. I think it's a great move, brilliant move by Danny Ainge and the Celtics because obviously Brad is a brilliant coach and he's gonna do great."